We’ve all been there: you come home to discover an appliance has leaked all over the floor, or you notice a large water stain in the attic. You may be tempted to clean it up yourself, but there are many reasons why you should resist the temptation. 

Whether you experience a large leak in the bathroom, rainwater seeps through your windows, or a storm has led to excessive damage, it is best to leave it to the professionals. Restoration specialists have the proper experience and expertise to get to the source of the problem and clean up the water appropriately. Attempting to clean water damage yourself may leave you with more costly damages than if you would have just called a professional to begin with. Check out the top 4 reasons why you should call a restoration company in Fort Worth or Dallas, Texas instead of attempting a DIY cleanup:

You do not have the right equipment – When water seeps into your flooring, walls, furniture, and other materials, it is vital that everything becomes extremely dry in order to properly begin restoration practices. Unfortunately, using a ceiling/box fan or opening a window is not enough to dry your belongings appropriately. You will also need a large, industrial vacuum to properly remove excess water. You need professional, commercial-grade equipment, like the tools we use at Mr. Restore. 

Mold growth will occur if the water is not removed correctly – Considering you do not have commercial-grade equipment, the water will not be fully removed if you attempt to do it yourself. Water that sits or soaks into materials leads to mold growth. Mold is an unsightly black fungus that can be a serious health hazard. It can take as little as 24 hours to begin growing, so it is best to call a restoration professional immediately. 

You may neglect the source- Simply cleaning up severe water damage with towels or painting over a water stain does not fix the reason you are experiencing water damage in the first place. You may be neglecting something that will continue to cause excessive water damage, like a leaky pipe or broken dishwasher. When you hire a professional, they will be able to identify the problem, clean the mess properly, then fix what originally caused the water damage. 

Attempting to clean water damage may be dangerous – Standing water may contain contaminants that are dangerous to your health. Water from storms or flooding has come in contact with a variety of materials, including animals, garbage, and dirt, creating a breeding ground for bacteria. Standing water can also be dangerous because it can lead to electric shock if your electricity is turned on.  

If you experience water damage, resist the urge to clean it up yourself or try to hide the damage. Remember, DIY-water-cleanup can be dangerous, does not address the issue, and can lead to even more damages in the future. When you notice water damage, no matter how big or small, immediately contact Mr Restore. We have the commercial-grade equipment and experience needed to tackle any water damage incident and will get your home or business back to normal, fast!